NEAR the close of 1894, the work in this republic began by the arrival of two canvassers, F. W. Bishop and T. H. Davis. One year later, Elder G. H. Baber arrived, and the West Coast Mission became an established thing. In 1902 it was organized by the appointment of a local committee. In 1906 Chile and Bolivia were separated from the other West Coast republics, and were organized into the Chile-Bolivia mission field. During the general meeting held at Santiago, March 29 to April 7, 1907, Chile was separated from Bolivia, and organized as a conference.
SCENE IN CHILE ON SANTIAGO AND VALPARAISO RAILROAD
In its development the work in Chile has passed through some conflicts. Some have left the truth, and have done all in their power to destroy it. Fires and earthquakes have done their work. In spite of all difficulties, it has slowly grown, until at the time of the organization of the conference there were nine churches, with one hundred and ninety-two members and twenty-five other Sabbath-keepers. The tithe for the last year was $1,711.42, or $7.88 per capita. Considering the fact that our brethren are all poor, this is excellent. The Sabbath-school offerings were $313.14, and other offerings $361.07. Our brethren are nearly all natives, and the preceding shows that they feel a responsibility to support the work. They are also active in missionary efforts. The Señales de los Tiempos, published in Chile, is having an excellent circulation. During the last year 105,000 copies were printed and disposed of; and while some were used in other republics, yet the large majority were used in Chile. The Chileno people seem to be inclined toward the purchase of this paper, and our brethren seem to know how to take advantage of their opportunity.
Under these conditions, we were pleased to organize Chile into a conference. All the business passed off pleasantly and harmoniously. Some of the brethren see special beauty in our form of organization and our manner of sustaining the work, all our brethren having an opportunity to have a part in it in all parts of the world, and thus the hearts of all are broadened to take in the world; and the individual member, and church, and mission field, and conference are not so many separate atoms, but all are a part of a great whole—the one body of Christ—a united work. They are together in recognizing that the Lord has led in all this. A resolution of thanks to the General Conference and to our brethren abroad who have given to the work in this field was passed, also a petition for further help until they can become self-supporting. Necessarily, they will need assistance for a time.
Elder F. H. Westphal was elected president, and Wm. Steele secretary and treasurer. The other members of the committee are Carlos Krieghoff, Damaso Soto, and Julian Torreblanca. The last three named accepted the truth in Chile, and the last two are native Chilenos. On the last evening Brother Damaso Soto was ordained to the sacred work of the gospel ministry, before a large congregation, among whom the Spirit of God was manifest in a marked manner.
The Chile Conference cheerfully gave up Elder Eduardo Thomann to the Bolivia mission field. It retains three ordained ministers, three licentiates,—one of whom is in their school and one in the office,—and four persons with missionary license. The latter are engaged largely in canvassing. Thus the conference begins probably as well equipped as any South American field. The brethren enter the work with courage and enthusiasm, and the prospects for the future are good. In the year 1906, forty were baptized. Six were baptized at the conference, and two others will be baptized soon. In other places there are a number waiting.
A resolution was passed recognizing that the printing and publishing work belongs to the whole West Coast field. A committee, composed of the president of the South American Union Conferences and the presidents and superintendents of the several West Coast conferences and mission fields, and three other persons appointed by the South American Union, will have charge of this branch of the message. These will elect a local managing board, to carry on the work in the interest of the whole field.
Six years ago the tract society began operations. The value of books, etc.,16on hand was the amount of its indebtedness. Since then it has passed through two fires and one earthquake, in the last of which it lost over six hundred dollars. Yet at the close of last year the books showed a present worth of $481.37. Deducting from this possible bad accounts, it has a present worth of $300. This we consider a good showing.
Buenos Ayres, Argentina.
Some Institutions of Chang-sha
By Emma Perrine-Laird
EMMA PERRINE-LAIRD
Before coming to this land, I had often wondered whether there were any public institutions in China, and whether these people were capable of appreciating beautiful things, and enjoying them. Therefore I was not a little surprised to learn of many such institutions, and that the people appreciated good and beautiful things as do we, only not to such a full extent.
Having visited a few institutions, and thus learned to understand better the character of the people, I thought an account of my visit might help some of our people in the home land to take more interest in the Chinese people; for although they are “heathen,” they have hearts to appreciate the third angel’s message, which will prepare them for the soon-coming King.
As this is a real Chinese city, with few foreign influences in a business way, we find the real Chinese ideas of institutional life worked out in their own way.
One bitter cold day we went to see the “beggars’ home,” so called. Just outside the door, and in the street, stands a small, low shed, about fourteen feet square, having places for door and window, but none there. On looking in, we saw what appeared to be some bundles of rags and dirt. Two of these stirred as we entered, showing that some life existed. The third was cold and lifeless. This is the place where the beggars must creep to die, when no longer able to help themselves.
The door to the large room, or the main part, through which we entered, stood wide open. Only a few poor creatures were within, the remainder of the large number who lived here being out on the streets, begging. A vile stench greeted our nostrils, while our eyes were blinded with smoke from a few heaps of burning sticks, over which the fortunate owner tried to get warm while boiling a few spoonfuls of rice. This room was built in tiers of loose boards for floors, one above another so as to accommodate as many as possible, with a space of five or six feet between them. Here about one hundred beggars lived. Some were lepers, others consumptives, and all manner of disease was there; and men, women, and children were herded together. The house was furnished them free by city officials, but they must beg for their food, and for rags to cover them. We could not long bear the sight or the smell, so turned away, our hearts sad, and crying out, “How long, O Lord, how long must this misery continue?” We learned that there was another home in the city for the deaf, the halt, and the lame, and still another for the blind. In addition to their house, the blind are given some rice once a week by the authorities.
A home for the widows and orphans of former officials was next visited. As we waited in the large court outside one gate, a few children saw us, and ran to tell others that the “foreign demons” were coming, and soon children of all sizes, and some women, were swarming around us, to get a look. We were conducted inside, where was a long common court, sixteen long and very narrow courts running at right angles to it. In the center of each court, and running full length, was a brick drain, three feet wide, and open. A row of rooms on each side, opening into this court, were the homes of these women and children. Each family has its own room, where the members live.
Such scampering toward their rooms as we went along, while some crowded around us, like a swarm of bees! Most of them appeared to be in good health, except that they were slightly anemic because of their close confinement. The women who were not too timid had a merry time laughing at our strange appearance. Some of the children tried to “show off” before visitors, just as our own children do in the home land, by turning hand-springs, standing on their heads, etc. When we came away, many followed us for blocks, to see how we acted, and hear how we talked. Probably many had never before seen a foreigner.
Here were more than a thousand souls, supported entirely by the present officials. When will the truth be given to these, His little ones? O for more hands and tongues to help speed this message, that Christ’s coming may be hastened, and they be set free!
The next place visited was a “School of Technics,” operated entirely by Chinese. Here are taught many kinds of industries, such as the manufacturing of looms and the weaving of cotton, linen, and silk cloth, the casting of iron into many kinds of machinery and implements, and the uses of finer instruments, as the telescope, microscope, electrical machines, instruments for mathematical calculations, etc. There were accommodations in this school for seventy-five students, with about half that number in attendance. This school had formerly given board, lodging, tuition, and books free; but now, as in many others, a small fee is charged for food only.
CHANG-SHA, HUNAN, CHINA
The Chinese students have been educated to be very averse to work of all kinds, so it can readily be seen that only the middle class, or those who must work for their living, are in attendance in this school. These people must be trained to see that it is no dishonor to work, or at least to know how to work; so a school for the higher class, aiming at a final industrial school, is much needed here. This class of people are too independent to be driven. Their confidence must first be gained; then they can be led.
A few days ago we went to see a large and beautiful ancestral hall, where mass is said for the dead whose friends are rich enough to pay for it. Entering the street gate, we walked down a long, wide, granite-paved street, between rows of beautiful trees. A large lake was near the foot of this walk, with trees bordering it, and the shade of evergreens, where were seats. Entering a spacious court filled with blossoming shrubbery, through a large gate in a high stone wall, our ears were delighted by the singing of many wild birds, and our eyes gladdened by the pleasing outlook before us. The outer walls were magnificent with the beautifully carved woodwork17and etched glass which composed the front of the hall. Without, all was fair to the eye. But on looking within, we saw that a gray- and black-robed priest was chanting before the shrine, and rhythmically tapping his gong. This scene spoiled the beauty of the place; for we knew that these people are so bound down by their superstitions and heathen worship that not only their own souls are kept in bondage, but their whole country as well.
It seems that the first truth the Chinese should learn is that “the dead know not anything.” This would relieve them of one kind of bondage. Then, with the realization that Christ is their Saviour, and that obedience should be rendered to God’s commandments, the people could be set free.
There are many other interesting places, about which we hope to write at another time.
Truly, the fields are white. The doors of heathen China stand wide open, but where are the reapers? When once the Chinese learn the gospel as taught by many missions in China, it is very difficult to change them to paths of obedience to God’s law, as they have learned such a smooth road in which to walk that it is easier to travel that than the straight and narrow way, or even to return to their old ways. As have others of old, we cry to you to-day, Who will “come over and help us”?
Chang-sha, Hunan, China.
Japan
By F. W. Field
For some time Brother Okohira and I had been planning to visit the new believers in Fukushima Province; so, early in May we set forth. We visited Wakamatsu first, and spent Sabbath and Sunday with the little company there. A Bible study was held each evening during our stay; and on Sabbath, besides Sabbath-school and the sermon, we celebrated the ordinances with them. This little company has been much reduced in numbers, mostly because of removals; but the remaining ones are of good courage. Quite a number of their neighbors are interested in the truth, as was shown by their regular attendance at our meetings.
Monday morning we set forth again,18and reached Kori, in Fukushima Province, that afternoon. Here we were met by Brother Watanabe, who has been laboring in those parts. From here a pleasant walk of several miles brought us to the home of Brother Kato, who, with several members of his family, has recently accepted the truth. Several other believers in the neighborhood were informed of our arrival, and came to meet us. After an hour spent in Bible study, we went on to the next village; and that evening five were baptized. Two of these are young men who have no encouragement to be Christians from their friends at home, but have taken their stand in the face of opposition. Several others are keeping the Sabbath in this locality, and hope to be ready for baptism next time.
Next morning we started for another country village, some ten miles off, where two families have accepted the truth. We held a Bible study with each family during the day, and in the afternoon nine were baptized by Brother Okohira. It was a pleasant sight to see members of three generations—mother, son, and granddaughter—following their Lord in baptism. Several other members of these families have turned to serve the Lord, but for various reasons they will await our next visit before being baptized.
One of the believers at this place, Brother Seino, is a graduate of the government normal school at Fukushima, and has been teaching for several years. But he resigned his position when he began to keep the Sabbath, as Japanese schools keep six days in the week. But this brings him into trouble with the school authorities; for he is one of many students who are helped through normal school by the government, and then bind themselves to teach in the government schools for ten years. Further, even if he gets free from this obligation, he is then liable to be called upon by the military authorities to serve out the rest of his time in the army; for teachers are let off with only six months' service, but must serve the rest of their time whenever they quit teaching. This will give some idea of the difficulties and trials met by some of our young people in Japan when they accept the truth. But Brother Seino is of good courage, and is trusting his case with the Lord. He wishes to devote his time to the Lord's service, and will associate with Brother Watanabe in the work from the first of June.
At Fukushima city we spent the greater part of one day that we might see Sister Onami. She is a young school-teacher; and it was through her that the truth was brought to these two families, and her parents and two brothers were among those baptized. But now she is in great trouble because of her obligation to teach in the public schools, where she is not free to keep the Sabbath. She has taught but two of the ten years she is under obligation for; so the school authorities are very strict with her. They seem disposed to hold her strictly to her obligations. Further, they have taken her Bible from her, and keep a strict watch over her and over her correspondence. Sixty copies of the New Testament, that she designed for distribution, were intercepted in the mails. She seemed very much distressed and depressed when she told us of her trials, and truly she needs our sympathy and prayers. We did what we could to encourage her, and commended her to the Father in prayer.
From Fukushima we went to Maebashi, where Brethren Suzuki and Okado are engaged in the systematic distribution of our literature, following the plan pursued in Takasaki last year. They report that the people of Maebashi are more ready to receive Christian literature than those of Takasaki. At present they are using five hundred copies of each number of our paper, which is now being issued twice a month. We hope to follow up this work with a series of tent-meetings after the heat of summer, as we did at Takasaki last year.
From Maebashi we went with the brethren to Takasaki, and a brother who accepted the truth last year received baptism. This made a total of fifteen who were baptized during our trip. Next day we returned to Tokyo, thankful for a part in this work of saving souls, and of good courage to continue therein.
F. W. FIELD.
Georgia and the Colored Work
By George I. Butler
The population of Georgia by the last United States census was: whites, 1,181,294; colored, 1,034,813. It will be seen that there is comparatively little difference between the population of the two races in that State. The colored race comprises nearly one half of the population. Both South Carolina and Mississippi have each many thousands more colored people than white. In the percentage of colored to the white, Georgia stands next highest to those two of all the Southern States. What has been done in this great Empire State of the South to illuminate with the truth of God this great mass of colored people of over a million souls in number?—Very little, indeed. There is only one very small, weak church of Seventh-day Adventists in this great State—the most populous and the most wealthy of all that field.
Up to last fall there was only one laborer for the colored people of Georgia, a dear white sister in Atlanta. Very few had embraced the Sabbath. With these facts before the writer, he felt that something ought to be done. Elder W. H. Sebastian, an ordained colored minister of ability who had been laboring with excellent success in the State of Mississippi for years, was entreated to give himself to the work for the colored people of Georgia. Of course his heart was in the field where he had labored so long, and it took the most earnest appeals to get him to see the very needy condition of his people in Georgia. After several months of earnest correspondence, he decided to come; and he has been laboring there ever since. But he finds a great many difficulties in the way of success. The little church in Atlanta which he has been laboring so faithfully to encourage and increase in numbers has no church building in which to meet. They are forced to meet in small private rooms where only a few can be accommodated, and where there is scarcely opportunity to permit the presence of those not already Sabbath-keepers. Here is the great city of Atlanta, called by some “the Chicago of the South” because of the enterprising, pushing, rushing, energetic character of its business men, with many scores of thousands of colored people in it, and no place in which to meet these multitudes and present the message to them, except this small private room.
Brother Sebastian has pleaded and pleaded with the writer for help, to get a moderately sized house in which to worship, and in which to call the people together. As land is very high there, it is thought that it would be well to have the meeting hall above, and a lower story with a very high basement for a school. Sister Sebastian is a very good school-teacher. It costs much to rent buildings. While the cause is weak in numbers and financial strength, these educational and spiritual advantages might be of only moderate size. Of course, as the need should increase, other provisions could be made.
The matter of providing for the necessities of the work among the colored people in Georgia and Atlanta have been under consideration for months; but as yet very little has been done. Our people in the Southern States are exerting themselves strongly to raise their portion of the $150,000. This is no small thing to do in this struggling field. The Southern Missionary Society is anxious to help in this worthy object. But owing to the smallness of the collection for the colored people last October, the funds are very low. In this needy field there are so many calls for money to carry on our work that it is most difficult to raise means to buy land and erect a suitable house in the costly city of Atlanta. It will take quite a little sum to purchase land and to put up even a small house. Will not some of our dear brethren and sisters in the North who have an interest in the work for the colored people, help us in this exceedingly needy enterprise?
We do not ask for large sums, or for anything that would in the least degree stand in the way of raising the $150,000 fund now in progress. It would not be necessary to do such a thing in order to assist this very necessary effort for a small church and schoolhouse in Atlanta. But one thing is certain, such a house must be erected, or the cause among the colored people of Atlanta and Georgia will be greatly crippled. In no field, to the knowledge of the writer, is there such a crying need of help, either for the white or the colored. There are certain special conditions which make this so. The heart of the writer is deeply moved to see the cause of God advanced in this great empire State, more so than in any other in this field. Will not the dear friends of the cause throughout the North help us in moderate sums to build a modest chapel in Atlanta? Let all who may choose to give, send their money to the Southern Missionary Society, North Station, Nashville, Tenn., stating plainly that it is for the church building for the colored people in Atlanta, Ga.
GEO. I. BUTLER,
President Southern Union Conference.
Mission Notes
THAT tree in Africa under which the natives buried the heart of Livingstone at the time of his death, through age is dying. It is now proposed to cut down this tree, and build upon the spot a monument to the memory of the missionary. The tree is to be cut up into souvenirs, and sold to raise funds to build a memorial church to Livingstone at Chitambo, Central Africa.
ONE writer, after describing the death of Confucius, who at the grave had no ray to cheer its dark gloom, says: “So down through the centuries have died his followers—in doubt, in darkness, in fear; for there is not a line in the Confucian classics which sheds a ray of light on the valley of the shadow of death. China still waits to hear the great message of Christ to man, ‘I am the resurrection, and the life.’” Really, is anything worthy the name of “great”—so often applied to Confucian classics—in the way of intellectual learning, if at the grave the interests of the soul—the life capable of being extended to all eternity—have been overlooked, so that at that supreme moment the life goes out in gloom, in darkness, in fear, in eternal night? China needs the light of God’s Holy Word pointing the soul to Jesus, the world’s great Light. “There is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.”
Jamaica, West Indies
By W. G. Kneeland
As we near the end of time, the Lord permits the church to be surrounded with adverse circumstances which are calculated to unite our interests by the fellowship of sufferings, and to center our affections on things eternal, instead of upon the things of this world. Recent experiences in Jamaica have shown us more clearly than ever before the object of trials, and how “all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” The rapid growth of the work in Kingston demanded buildings and a location more suitable for our work there. The earthquake, Jan. 14, 1907, made it necessary to arrange at once for another place. A good location has been secured, and we are doing our best to erect a building.
Wages have improved somewhat on account of the demand for labor to repair the ruined city. Our people with hardly an exception are taking advantage of this, not to rebuild their own homes, but to provide first for the house of God. Although nearly all our churches and companies in the island have either to repair their damaged church buildings or are about to build new ones, all have agreed to do what they can to assist Kingston in putting up a suitable church and school building. However, the financial condition of our people and the increased price of building materials will make the burden very heavy to carry alone. There are many of our churches in other places already provided with comfortable buildings who should esteem it a privilege to assist this young conference in its time of great need. “That now at this time your abundance may be a supply for their want, that their abundance also may be a supply for your want: that there may be equality.”
The recent disaster has made it easy to attract the attention of the people to the message for this time. Nearly every church and company report additions to their number. Over ninety were baptized during the month of February, and fifty-seven in March, and many others would have been had it been possible for our little band of workers to reach them promptly.
We greatly need a tent to enter the many large villages yet unwarned by this message, but no funds are in hand for it. As the work must go forward, we have decided to order one, believing that our people will respond liberally for this enterprise. With so much to be done in church buildings, in assisting our industrial school, and in the procuring of new tents in place of those worn out by long service, it is evident that help would be much appreciated by the conference. All donations for any of these enterprises should be sent to our conference treasurer, H. H. Cobban, Bog Walk, Jamaica.
The Lord is blessing us with health and strength, and we are doing our best to visit our people and develop the work. General meetings for instruction in all kinds of missionary work are being held in the various districts as fast as possible, with good results.
W. G. KNEELAND.
Spanish Town.
PAGE SHEPARD
By Page Shepard
Mississippi
NATCHEZ.—“I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. So then neither is he that planteth anything, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase.” “Who will render to every man according to his deeds.” “For we are laborers together with God.”
We praise the Lord for seed sown here by faithful brethren during the past summer. The little band of believers gathered out of the citadels of error by the third angel's message, are growing stronger day by day, as they feed upon the word. They are becoming zealous missionaries, and as a result many are being turned to the last saving call of a merciful Saviour.
Since coming upon the field here, I have watered the good seed sown, and am keeping up the sowing. As a result three have begun keeping the Sabbath, others are deeply stirred, and we feel sure that the Lord will add to our little flock such as shall be saved.
The good school established here as the fitting climax to the tent effort, wisely managed, is prospering. One student has begun anew to keep the Sabbath, and attends Sabbath-school, saying her Bible seems to be a new book to her since attending the school, and she can not stay away from service. Three others are coming to Sabbath-school, and all four are especially seeking the Lord. Every morning, half an hour before school opens, in the meeting room earnest prayers ascend from youthful lips, and a marked change is manifest in their deportment, for which we praise the Lord and rejoice in his love.
The Lord had gone out before the tent effort put forth here, and prepared the hearts to receive the truth. He also put it into the hearts of Sister Temple and Sister Ireland, of California, the former a native of Natchez, to acknowledge God's love for them by donating two good lots for the work here. These lots furnish a valuable building site in a very desirable neighborhood, and we are preparing to build as speedily as means can be secured. We have written a plea for help, setting forth the necessity for Christian education, and have placed a few copies of it in the hands of brethren to distribute among friends and neighbors, and we believe the Lord will19greatly bless as an effort is made to seek out those whom the Lord is impressing to help. Good reports are already coming in.
But in the meantime we would gladly welcome the efforts of any who may chance to read these lines to help us establish a memorial to the truth in Natchez. Kindly send all donations to the Southern Missionary Society, Nashville, Tenn., plainly stating the object for which they are given.
PAGE SHEPARD
In Africa
By JOEL C. ROGERS
We are nearing the Indian Ocean at Beira, East Africa. For eight weeks we have been at our Somabulo Mission, in Matabeleland. It was a pleasure to teach the boys and girls in the school there, while waiting for the favorable season to enter Nyassaland.
Elder Armitage has carried on the work of the Somabulo Mission for six years, with little help except that of his wife. When one sees the many things to be done from early morning till late in the night, it is not surprising that no one man is able to endure the strain without much sickness in such a fever-stricken climate. I am pleased that he has now been provided with a teacher for the school. This additional help has always been needed. Elder Armitage will now be able to give attention to other important matters. Several boys who have been in training a number of years should now be taken out by him, and located at favorable points where schools are needed. The boys are willing to go, and I believe they will do good work in teaching their people. The question arises in many minds: Do these missions pay; are they a success? I wish every brother and sister who doubts their success could spend a month with the fifty boys and girls rescued from heathen darkness by the Somabulo Mission. You would find them civil, honest, clean, steady, hard-working, Christian boys and girls. The mission has a wide influence for good among both whites and natives. It is a success, and worthy of your support.
The native teachers, two of whom are now out in native villages, have a good knowledge of the Bible and the pillars of our faith. They can speak and read English, which enables them to read the truth from our books and papers. Thus they may constantly grow stronger in the truth themselves, and better communicate the message to their own race. If properly managed by our missionaries, the English language in the hands of these native teachers may become a great force for spreading the message in Africa. The foreigner can never reach the native heart as can his brother native.
Through God's care and blessing we are still in excellent health. There is probably no deadlier malarial district than the seven hundred miles of country from Bulawayo to Beira; also the coast and rivers from Beira to Nyassaland.
KAFIR HUT, SOUTH AFRICA
We have taken the advice of our South African brethren to wait until May to pass through this district. Being the dry, cool season, the climate is less dangerous.
I should say that I was not permitted to leave Rhodesia without a taste of the very common eye disease of the country. This is the first affliction my eyes have ever suffered. It is not serious, however, I believe. With a few days' care all will be well again.
This port of Beira is hot compared with the beautiful highlands of Rhodesia. But our steamship is waiting in the bay, so we do not have to spend even a night in Beira. This place is over two thousand miles northeast from Cape Town, and is the chief port of Portuguese East Africa. We go by boat to Chinde, at the mouth of the Zambezi River. It requires only nine hours for this trip on the Indian Ocean. From Chinde a river boat takes us to Chiromo, on the Shire River, and from there we go fifty miles to our Plainfield Mission, by native carriers. We hope to reach the mission in ten days. We appreciate very much the kindly interest that our friends at home have taken in us and the Nyassa Mission. We shall try to write fully of the work in Nyassaland after arriving.
JOEL C. ROGERS.
Progress Among the Islands
By Ole Andres Olsen
We are much encouraged by the good reports from all parts of the field. We have certainly entered a very interesting period. The time so long looked for, when the message should go with power and reach out to nations, tongues, kindreds, and people in every part of our earth, is here; and how wonderfully the providences of God are opening the way! We are not only cheered by what we see taking place in other parts of the world, but also with what we are experiencing in our own union conference.
The Lord is greatly blessing the efforts being put forth in the island mission fields. Our greatest difficulty is to supply the needed laborers, for which such urgent calls come. The school at Tonga has more than doubled. Lately they have built an addition, thus increasing their capacity. They now have sixty day-students, and their evening school numbers twenty-six. They are in urgent need of an additional teacher, which must be sent just as soon as one can be found.
The papers printed in the Tahitian and Rarotongan languages are received with enthusiasm by the natives. In Tahiti they have already worked up a large subscription list. We hope soon to print20a paper in the Maori language for New Zealand, and one also in the Malay for Singapore. We are putting forth special efforts to circulate reading-matter pertaining to the truth in these various languages, for we believe this will be an important means for getting the truth before thousands of the natives.
We also receive encouraging reports from the workers in Java. When we decided to send our workers there, we knew of only one Sabbath-keeping family — Sister Fox and her children — in all that island; it now seems that there are a number. Our missionaries have obtained the address of several persons in various places.
We can only praise the Lord for all these tokens of encouragement, and the evidences of the work hastening on to the great and final consummation. We have every evidence to believe that the work will soon be finished, and the Lord come in glory. 0. A. O. OLSEN.
